Construction and materials industries

California's MTBE ban could spread

Article Abstract:

The marine industry has lauded California Gov Gray Davis' decision to completely phaseout methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive, in the state by the end of 2002. Others states, such as Alaska, Connecticut, Maine and New Jersey, are also considering a MTBE ban. Meanwhile, Congress is studying three MTBE bills introduced by Sen Diane Feinstein. One bill seeks to exempt California from the federal requirement of using oxygenates such as MTBE if the state can meet EPA emissions-reduction standards.

OMC sales and profits cover costs in '98

Article Abstract:

Outboard Marine Corp has significantly improved its financial standing in 1998, having posted gross earnings of $234.3 million, up by $81.3 million compared to the previous year. It marks the first year the company has registered earnings after two years of steady decline in sales and profits. Outboard Marine's 1998 gross earnings was, however, wiped out by one-time restructuring and exit charges in the same year.